Anna's brother, Shawn

Vianna Szabo · 09-01-2005, 10:18 AM

Hi everyone,

This is a portrait of my son who is a junior in high school. It is a 20x24" oil on a rather bumpy linen. It is the companion to "Anna". When they finally do hang together he will be on the right and the heads will incline slightly toward each other. I enjoyed painting this especially the hair, which he is very proud of. Shawn has a relaxed, sweet personality and within the past year his looks have taken on a manly appearance. It was fun to paint a teenager looking "cool" in a very traditional style. The image is off, some of the cooler tones are not showing very well. Thanks for looking.

Vianna

Linda Brandon · 09-01-2005, 10:41 AM

These are beautiful, Vianna! I love your flesh tone palette and I also think the way you have vignetted these is subtle and effective. Lucky you for having such paintable subjects as your children.

Vianna Szabo · 09-01-2005, 11:10 AM

Thank you, Linda

The kids have modeled for me since they were infants. I painted my daughter during a show when she was 4 months old, so they are used to it. They pose for local artists as well and love getting paid for it. I am drawn (no pun intended) to trying to capture the quality that defines the stages they are going through as they mature. Besides that when they are modeling I know where they are.

Vianna

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-01-2005, 04:37 PM

Both are lovely and beautiful.
Congrats!

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-01-2005, 04:38 PM

Could you post some closeups of your daughter?

Vianna Szabo · 09-01-2005, 06:14 PM

Thank you, Bonfim

I finished her portrait a few months ago. Here is a close up.

Lisa Ober · 09-01-2005, 11:27 PM

Vianna,

I have been admiring yoru daughter's portrait since you posted it. Now with your son's, you have the perfect pair. You painted his mouth so well. You handled his glasses perfectly (something I always find difficult). I agree that the skin tones are marvelous. I look forward to seeing what's next. Perhaps a self portrait?

Julie Deane · 09-02-2005, 06:50 AM

Hi Vianna -

Echoing what has already been said: Very nice pair of portraits!

Alexandra Tyng · 09-02-2005, 09:09 AM

Vianna,

I think this portrait of your son captures something intangible that really comes across to the viewer. So does the one of your daughter. They are both full of feeling--a powerful ingredient in a successful portrait.

Vianna Szabo · 09-02-2005, 10:55 AM

Thank you, Lisa, Julie, and Alexandra

Those are very kind comments. Lisa, I had trouble getting those great lips to look full and not pouty. A friend of mine claims I married my husband just so my children would get his lips. Interesting side note, I entered my daughters painting in a local gallery show and the reception was last night. There were two honorable mentions awarded at the show. One went to "Anna" and the other to a 20x20 square gallery wrap canvas painted completely orange, interesting choices I thought.

Thank you again for your comments, they mean a lot.

Vianna